Arab mayor: Annexation for Cherokee Ridge 'dead issue'

The Arab City Council debated on Monday night whether to annex Cherokee Ridge, which inlcudes a beautiful golf course, (The Huntsville Times/Dave Dieter)

ARAB, Alabama -- Whether or not to agree to a legislative bill to annex Cherokee Ridge was discussed at length by the Arab City Council Monday, and for now, Mayor Gary Beam says "it's a dead issue."

The mayor says if further information is received "in a week or two" the matter could be discussed again in the future. A bill sent to the Arab Tribune for a legal notice last week, and pulled before being printed, has not even been seen by the council.

Councilman Ronny Shumate reminded the council the local legislative delegation told them they would not back a bill for the annexation unless the city and all other parties involved all agreed to it.

Former state senator Sid McDonald originally requested the annexation to the council in a letter dated Oct. 3, 2011 saying he felt the annexation would be "mutually beneficial to the city and the residents of Cherokee Ridge."

In other council news, Dr. B.C. Maze was appointed to the city school board, replacing Wayne Washam at the board's first meeting in June.

The council amended a business license ordinance for antiques, used and scrap jewelry and metals to be in accordance with state law. City Clerk Tony Willis said an updated ordinance on door to door solicitation is also being reviewed.